Development Pros

Portsmouth's government and economic leaders share a common outlook – love of city and commitment to seeing the city develop to its fullest potential. The spirit of cooperation runs as strong through this diverse, dedicated group as it did with Portsmouth's founders over 250 years ago.

Strategic partnerships have allowed the city to manage multiple projects with multiple partners with unique financing strategies for each. Some recent partnerships include: The Renaissance Portsmouth Hotel and Waterfront Conference Center, NTELOS Pavilion at Harbor Center, Ocean Marine Yacht Center, Victory Crossing Shopping Center, Lake Shores and Westbury.

Government

Portsmouth's residents are represented by an elected-at-large council and city manager form of government.

Members of Portsmouth City Council:

The Economic Development Department serves as staff to the Portsmouth Economic Development Authority (EDA) and the Portsmouth Port and Industrial Commission (PPIC).  

The primary responsibility of the EDA is to foster business growth within the city and thereby create employment opportunities. Some of the EDA's more important powers are the ability to purchase land for business use and the authority to issue tax-free revenue bonds for private enterprise in the acquisition of land, buildings, equipment and related facilities.  

The PPIC serves to foster industrial development within the city. However, the role of PPIC has been more narrowly defined so that its efforts are directed at the stimulation of waterfront development along with closely related industrial and commercial activities. The Commission has the authority to condemn property for public reuse and the power to acquire the necessary capital.

Economic Development Authority and Portsmouth Port and Industrial Commission Members:

Dr. James W. Holley III, Mayor